Malware Removal

Malware is a catch all phrase that describes malicious software code that causes negative issues on a computer. Included in this group of software are viruses, Trojan horses, worms, adware, and spyware. Many anti-virus software programs have features that protect your computer from malware, but no anti-virus product is perfect, and you may find that you need some additional cleaning software. Ultimately, the user should be aware of what is being downloaded!! Many times a seemingly harmless download has several hidden programs that are downloaded at the same time.

If it happens that your system gets infected, do not load another anti-virus program, instead try some of these listed procedures; or, call us at the ITS Help Desk, 641-628-7010, or submit an email to ITSHelpDesk@central.edu, and we can help you.

WARNING – We offer no guarantees and assurances that these procedures will work or will not cause other problems if improperly used. We recommend you avoid data loss by backing up your files to a separate device. The presence of malicious software on your computer puts you at a risk for identity theft or data loss. At the first indication of malware, immediate action is needed to remove the offending programs. The best and safest solution is to reformat your hard drive and reload the operating system. This means that if your files are not backed up, they will be lost, and programs need to be reloaded. Alternatively, you can try one of the following processes.

PC Computers – Student owned

1. Run a virus scan. If you don’t have a virus program loaded, consider using one of the recommended antivirus programs from Central College. Click here for more info.

2. System Restore – beware of Refresh and Reset!!! System Restore returns your computer to an earlier date where all was working properly. This does not affect your data, music or photos. Windows 7 users – click start, type System Restore, and click on the words when they appear. Follow the prompts, choosing more dates if necessary, and return the system to a time before the malware appeared – no more that 2 months. Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 users – when restarting your computer, rather than power off your computer, hold the shift key and click on the Restart option to enter the options mode. (Choose Troubleshoot, Advanced Options, System Restore).

3. Download and install CCleaner, by Piriform. Update as necessary. It is a software program that clears unneeded files from the system. Download the free version from: www.piriform.com

4. Download and install SuperAntiSpyware (SA) – Update as necessary, install and run a scan. Removing the recommended programs. (*hint – when asked if you want a trial version of the professional version – decline). Download the free version from: www.superantispyware.com

5. Download and install MalwareBytes (MBAM) – Update as necessary, install and run. Remove or quarantine the recommendations. (*hint – when asked if you want a trial version of the professional version – decline). Download the free version from: www.malwarebytes.org

6. Chrome users – Click on the three bars on the upper right, choose settings, and look at extensions. Remove any suspicious items.

7. Mozilla/Firefox and Internet Explorer – Click on the bars or the gear in the upper right corner, look for Manage Add ons, and disable or remove suspicious items.

Mac Computers – Student owned

1. Run a virus scan. If you don’t have a virus program loaded, consider using one of the recommended antivirus programs from Central College. Click here for more info.

2. Download and install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for Mac, by Malwarebytes. Update as necessary, install and run. Remove or quarantine the recommendations. (*hint – when asked if you want a trial version of the professional version – decline). Click here to download Malwarebytes

3. Download and install CCleaner, by Piriform. Update as necessary. It is a software program that clears unneeded files from the system. Download the free version from: www.piriform.com

If your computer is not helped by these procedures, we suggest you consider restoring your computer back to the factory settings.

Computers – Central College owned

Contact the ITS Help Desk for help cleaning your computer of malware.

Edited: 6/6/2018

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